Chapter 16: Nothing but Drama

A/N: Sorry for the delay just couldn't find the right *insert writers block concept* down until it finally came. I appreciate the thirty or so of you left who are still reading. I know it's not much but thanks for sticking around.

Arriving at school the coming day was a trial unto itself for the new 'step' family. More so for the male half as Gohan looked like he was suffering physically. Heavy bags were around his eyes and his once near pristine style of appearance looked mildly disheveled. It would be clear to even those who didn't know the demi saiyan that something looked a bit off about him.

With only Videl being the one privy as to the why to some extent. His normally long spiky hair had parts sticking up in odd locations, his shirt collar tucked into his cover polo. And his bags were hanging from his hand not on his back. 'I wonder if I should even be here.' Gohan half lamented in his mind, the weekend had been more than taxing on him. With the added benefit of having no resolution with his mother who had been laid over working with the 'world champ' on something. What it could be, he couldn't be sure as his mind had been playing absolute hell on him.

Nightmares upon nightmares, upon night terrors. The onslaught had barely allowed him to find any chance to sleep. Perhaps two maybe three hours the night before. Some were like the first one he still had a vivid memory of, others were of the most terrifying moments in his life. Feeling himself being beaten again and again by Raditz, Nappa, Vegeta, Frieza, Recoome, and Cell. Each one brutal and unrelenting to moments where he would snap awake and feel like his limbs were made of pure lead and not even able to scream before blinking and coming back to reality.

Sleep deprivation was something he'd never trained for. Stopping in front of his locker he planted his forehead willing himself to just have thirty seconds of rest. But the noise and slight pounding of his head prevented that along with someone else. "Hey? You sure you're okay?" Videl acted like a big sister as she had questioned him coming to school at all. He hadn't eaten that much for breakfast and barely was able to keep his head up on the ride to school. Like he was dozing but unable to actually fall asleep.

"Y-Yeah. I-I'm fine." He said, trying to act unaffected. "I-I think I just need to get back to work."

She raised an eyebrow at him curiously. "Gohan we're at school. Not work."

"Ehh, same thing." He replied, dropping his backpack into his locker. He turned towards Videl one of his eyes twitched while trying to act like this wasn't a big deal. But his ears caught another presence, one that nearly barrelled into him.

"Gohan!? What's going on, I was trying to call you all weekend!" The blue eyes and blonde hair of his girlfriend came fully into view. She seemed a little stressed giving him a displeased pout missing his current state as she hadn't been able to really see him at all.

"Erasa-" Videl warned looking hard at her best friend. "Gohan was settling in at my house it-"

"Your house!" She exclaimed eyes wide as saucers, her head switching from Gohan then to Videl. "Why was Gohan at your house?"

Videl groaned inwardly, shaking her head slightly. "Before you blow this out of proportion Gohan and his little brother are living at my home for the moment."

The blond paused, opened her mouth, closed it and tried once again to speak but she couldn't find the words. "It's a family issue," Gohan stepped in his head starting to hurt and he could imagine that Erasa would get extremely jealous of the fact that he was spending time with Videl. Even if they were BFF's his girlfriend wasn't one for letting Videl have something-like a guy- taken from under her nose. "I didn't have a choice, neither did Videl our parents shoved this on us okay?" His voice having an unusual whip like snap to it, briefly making Gohan wonder if Vegeta had rubbed off on him verbally as well before just ignoring it. "I'm going to go to class and maybe put my head down."

Not wanting to spark further outrage Gohan just grabbed a few things and went to class not even giving Erasa a moment to even reply before being brushed off unintentionally.

"W-Wait Gohan, I-" She was stopped by Videl who grabbed her arm. The blonde gave her friend a quick stare down before shaking her arm free though Videl let her.

"Gohan is going through a lot right now Erasa. He needs some space and probably a good night's sleep since he's barely slept at all since Friday without screaming his head off from nightmares.

Erasa felt something creep up her spine and twist in her heart slightly. Videl was sharing the same house as Gohan and she just wanted to go apologize and her friend was stopping her. 'Why?' The question was asked in her head. But something jumped out from her mouth before she could stop it. "Just how much time have you been spending with my boyfriend Videl?"

The slight accusation wasn't missed by the second top student in the school. "Just what are you implying? Are you seriously thinking that this is some teenage fiction drama, Gohan is having a very hard time right now and right now he's trying to hold his entire world up on his shoulders and be strong for not only himself but his little brother when all he wants is for someone to reach out a hand and tell him it's okay."

While she could make the argument that she and Gohan were closer, it would be hard to imagine not after spending two nights under the same roof and hearing him cry and shout in his sleep from down the hall. Hearing the deeper parts of the teen come out, his insecurities and the situation of their lives running down the same beaten path had made it easier to be together.

"So why does it have to be you? I can be there for Gohan you know." Putting her hands on her hips, "I cared for Gohan long before you did, you used to hate him for everything if you recall?"

Like Videl had forgotten. "Key word there, 'used too'. Now I know Gohan and guess what he's my friend and I want him to be okay and here you are getting jealous because I am. Seriously Erasa are you being so petty right now because I spend time with Gohan? I was spending time with Gohan after spring break when you didn't even-" She couldn't stop herself from spilling the truth about her little sideshow deal with Gohan for him helping teach her how to fly. The damage was already done before she could hope to rectify it.

"S-So… you were spending time with my boyfriend behind my back?" Her eyes were hidden by her blonde bangs. Her hands were shaking and trying to become fists but that simply wasn't in Erasa's heart to want to get violent. "You just wanted to keep it a secret right? So, what was it that you two were up too that required you to sneak the guy I care about and spend time with him and not tell me?" Her words were heavy trying to sound detached but it came out as hurt, she was betrayed by her best friend in more than one way already. She should be more angry at Gohan but he had always been too nice of a guy to ever turn someone down and this left her with only current person to direct her feelings at.

"It's not as simple as that Erasa," Videl tried to reply quickly but her excuses weren't coming quickly. "I just needed something and I knew you'd get like this if I was spending time with him instead of you." On Top of explaining that she'd blackmailed Gohan to do it. It wasn't going to sell very well with her friend even if she believed her.

"Oh is that because he's my guy right?" She said sniffling, "So just wh-what were you doing that you couldn't tell me?

"Physical training." A half truth but she couldn't just say learning to fly, it would come off as insulting. She had to be practical. "I needed a sparring partner."

Erasa's head dipped a little further down, the ache in her chest just seemed to spread and she just wanted to let that pain out. "Nothing is ever enough for you is it Videl is it." Her eyes were filled with unshed tears as she looked into the guilty face that looked back into her eyes. "I can't have anything when it comes to you can it? It's just like when you found when my Dad hooked up with my Mom you just didn't want to tell me… or is this because you're jealous of me and what I have with Gohan and now you want him for yourself, can't let Erasa have anything isn't that-that right!?" She didn't give her a chance to reply as she ran around her friend crying going somewhere where she might find some comfort.

Leaving Videl in the hallway as kids who had listened and observed to begin whispering and sending messages out for the whole school to hear. Gohan was two timing Erasa with Videl, even if it wasn't true, spinning the truth that way it just sounded way better.

[***]

Gohan knew something was up, but his frazzled mind didn't allow him to catch on as quickly as he normally would. Everyone seemed to be looking at him differently or perhaps whispering something while looking at him, it was slightly unnerving for him to have so many bizarre looks thrown his way. 'I should try and figure out what they're saying but really i'm just so damn tired.'

His thoughts seemed to resonate if his haggard appearance didn't already, his math teacher could tell Gohan wasn't looking the best considering that Gohan was trying to sleep before the day had even started and had been on the nod for the majority of the lesson, his head bouncing up and down as he struggled to stay awake. "Gohan," The teacher's voice came making Gohan flinch as he didn't even notice the approach, he put a hand on his shoulder. "Go to the nurse and have a rest. Over exertion isn't healthy for you."

"N-No it's fine." Gohan said although he could feel the pull of his eyes trying to claim him even while speaking.

He smiled, "I appreciate your dedication but we're all mortal here Gohan. None of the staff are going to think less of you. I'll call ahead and let them know you're coming, consider it your in class work for the hour."

Wanting to reply and say no he found the lure of some undisturbed sleep just too promising. "Okay." Gohan finally consented grabbing his bag and moved towards the door. The gripes of other students coming out as they saw the other teen getting special treatment.

"How come we don't get to go to the nurse when we're tired. A few of us sleep all the time you know." Gohan's hand turned on the door handle.

"Well when you have a perfect score and show up early to class and help out when I ask I might consider such treatments. There are perks for being a good student even if you don't realize it." The teacher replied smirking as the door opened and Gohan stepped out and into the hallway.

"It's cause his mom's a celebrity ain't it and she's also dating Mr. Satan too!" Another voice piped up along with a small chorus of yes and mhmm to follow.

"You're all entitled to your opinion now get back to work or I'll add something more difficult to the class schedule if you have this much time to complain."

The door closed and Gohan just released a heavy sigh, 'I wish that wasn't happening, like I'd really want the giant windbag to be in my life.'

Gohan made his way down the hallway trying to just focus on keeping his head up. Understanding how he could be so utterly drained was beyond him, even after the Cell games he hadn't felt this whipped. He'd spent all of two whole days recovering after that ordeal and that wasn't just dealing with simple sleeplessness.

Sure he'd had that spar with Vegeta and hadn't had a real good rest since then but it felt more like he was just losing energy more rapidly. He'd equate it to being drained but it wasn't because of the lack of rest. 'It's something else.' He was certain of that, but he just couldn't put his finger on it.

He stopped across from the gym for a moment and covered his eyes, trying to ignore the pounding in his head for just a moment. The combination of afflictions was just adding fuel to the fire, he hoped that it wasn't going to get worse.

Unfortunately he was going to hope that he had just kept moving.

"Well, well, Gohan skipping class in the hallway?" The demi saiyan lifted up his head, having been dozing while he was standing and pulling his hand away from his face to look at the sound of the voice. One that wasn't going to be granting him any favors since their falling out.

"Sharpner… I really don't need this right now." Gohan spoke the later to himself as he just dragged his fingers down his face. Sharpner had a slight grin on his face wearing the school exercise uniform of a white shirt and red shorts and orange stars on both articles.

Several other boys were joining him, though whether their appearance spelled more observers or instigators at this point the teen couldn't be sure. The blonde jock was holding an aluminium baseball bat over his shoulder and lightly flexing his bicep as it bounced up and down.

Two others were classmates of Sharpner and a third he didn't recognize but more than likely they were either teammates or shared phys ed with Gohan's newest problem.

"I wouldn't be here if you didn't go and upset Erasa, the whole school is talking about how you are two timing her with Videl," Sharpner's demeanour dropped into a scowl. "You know I care about her and you go and make her cry and humiliate her." He dropped the bat down from his shoulder setting the rounded edge onto the ground using it to balance his weight slightly. "That really pisses me off Gohan, just so you know."

Releasing a grunt of frustration. "What are you even talking about. I'm not dating Videl- or are you just another dumb fucking blonde." Gohan couldn't stop the words that flowed out from him, the reprisal cruel and harsh it made Gohan's pain and misery fade for a moment. If someone wanted to come after him and accuse him of dumb BS then he'd give them a little more ot think about. "Even if I did, do you really plan on doing something about it?" Pushing away from the wall Gohan felt a little rush forming in the pit of his stomach and he wanted to let it out, he was overflowing with crap he had to put up with.

"Oh someone finding his man pants today? We both know you aren't going to do anything Gohan, not mr. good boy and certainly not a momma's boy like you." Sharpner didn't buy the tough act, it just wasn't Gohan- normally- and certainly not in school from what he'd seen and heard.

Gohan dropped his bookbag and then came right up to Sharpner, bumping his pumped up chest into the blonde's which was only a slight tap but made the jock take a slight step backwards. The other three boys just stepped back letting the two males have their moment.

The demi saiyan's black eyes were glistening with irritation and anger. A slight rush of endorphins was hitting him as his hands felt lighter, the tips of his fingers aching to be balled into fists and be given a chance to let loose.

The staredown continued for several more seconds. "What are you going to do Sharpner? You plan on hitting me with a bat or just scaring me with the bits of food still stuck in your teeth." Gohan said leaning down just slightly his height advantage into the other student. Sharpner said nothing but glare back into Gohan's face. "You can hit me with that bat, but you better hope it actually hurts me. I promise I'll break both of your arms if you don't make it hurt." Pulling his upper lip into a very Vegeta like smirk though it lacked the cruel practice it certainly held some potency of the saiyan prince.

The threat was there and it was unknown if that Gohan would go through with it or even if Sharpner would. "You shouldn't ask for things that you don't want here. Sports and athletics may be one thing, but fighting it another."

If Gohan's smirk could've gotten bigger it might have, "I have the blood of fighters in my veins not including my mother. Even she could beat you without using her hands and you certainly don't have a clue who you are dealing with now."

"Tch, like you would do anything." He spat back, raising his hands and dropping the bat which clattered on the floor he pushed against Gohan.

It would've been better if Gohan had been a solid brick wall because the shove made the blonde almost push himself away. It made the jock's eyes widen as he hadn't even made the other teen budge or even flinch. 'Fuck, I couldn't even make him move.. Shit shit..' Panicking quickly Sharpner pulled up his hand and shoved it right back into Gohan's chest. "You better break it off with Erasa Gohan, she's too good for someone like you."

"Or what?" The saiyan growled, "You don't have a damn clue what's going on and secondly what I do with Videl and Erasa is my business since neither of them like you anyway."

"Fuck you." He barked as Gohan brought up one hand slowly to grab the other's wrist.

'Yes… maybe i'll just break his fucking hand… that sounds great that sounds so-'

"What are you all doing! Get back to class!" A voice barked from around the corner.

The noise snapping Gohan from the moment as well as the other's who realized the little game was up. "This is aint even fucking close to over Gohan, I'll get your ass back for what you've done." Sharpner giving one final verbal and physical gesture with his middle finger before taking off.

Snorting Gohan just moved to grab his backpack but as he did a presence rounded the corner. One doning white shoulder pauldrons along with a purple and orange outfit. "P-Piccolo?" Gohan said, surprised.

Even for a Namek he felt more out of place but with super speed it didn't make things too difficult to find himself around the place, considering Gohan's aura was becoming even more distinct. "I see you're using your new found strength for something or is this a new persona you've drummed up Gohan?" Piccolo studied Gohan carefully.

Brushing off his teacher's comment, Gohan just slung his backpack over his shoulder. "No, just dealing with idiots, way too much crap to deal with you know?" Gohan said, trying to brush over the little incident as he began to feel his headache returning.

"For someone who has seen his share of fighting and doesn't regard his father's lessons seriously you seemed almost eager to start something just now or was I mistaken about that?"

Sighing, "Piccolo please I don't want a lecture. I feel terrible and just want to rest."

"I know that Gohan." His word's softened, "You're not a child but I know you and that wasn't you." Piccolo let his concern show as he came over and put a hand on his student's shoulder. "You don't realize your own aura is off at all?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"My what is off?" Gohan said, confused. "Piccolo i'm just tired and a little stressed. That's probably it."

"You weren't tired and stressed when dueling against Cell and standing up against world ending villains before this Gohan. Minor things shouldn't affect you like this and it's why I'm here and you know I don't make house calls without a reason." He watched his student's head just drop. "Let's go find a place where we can speak plainly Gohan and I'll see what I can do about helping your exhaustion."

"Fine, fine." Not wanting to fight with him about it, his head was really starting to just pound. The two walked together down the hallway and though one might question why a giant green man was walking down the hallway, with a simple snap of his fingers Piccolo steered people's attentions everywhere else and was busy doing other things.

Even the school nurse went into her office when Gohan came in just telling him to have a seat. It gave them some peace and quiet, Gohan laying down on one of the small beds as Piccolo leaned himself back against a window.

The elder Namek could feel whatever had been roiling around inside of his pupil had pulled itself back upon his arrival, 'Yet not entirely, it's as if it wants me to realize it's there like it wants me to do something about it. But if that's the entire plan, will me trying to remove it make things better or entirely worse.'

This type of corruption was entirely new and being right next to it made his own green skin crawl, there was something lurking inside of Gohan and whatever it was, there were claws inside of him. But Gohan didn't even realize it.

'It must've been doing this even before we began feeling it out, if that is truly the case.' It made him concerned, coming here was to check in on Gohan but also to see if there was more to what they were dealing with and it only made his mind worry for the future. 'Is this evil taunting me or challenging me to do something about it and yet I can't know if that's its entire goal does it want me to strike out at Gohan or does it expect me to realize this and not react.' There was a definite mind game and with what he was seeing he just couldn't pull the trigger and go into Gohan that could complicate everything.

Gohan had his head down willing his body to find some sleep which was pulling at the edges of his mind but Piccolo was still talking to him. "Dende told me about your scare earlier on, how has your brother been since then?"

"He's been himself, Dende cleaned up everything." Gohan rolled his head away from his teacher and just closed his eyes.

As much as the former guardian of Earth didn't want to start prying into his student's life he knew that to ignore it could be much worse. "I've seen that you've been sparring with Vegeta. Any reason for the desire to test yourself against him?" Gohan just shrugged his shoulders on the bed. "Gohan, it's my business but others told me about it and so I am bringing the question to you. You don't have to tell me about it as it's not my place to tell you how to feel or how to act." He paused before dropping the question because it did concern him. "Krillin told me of your conversation."

'Not this again.' Gohan groaned.

"I didn't want to bring it up." Piccolo spoke, making Gohan roll back over towards him, one eye open staring at the Namek with annoyance. Telepathy always had its ups and downs and Gohan was showing a mild contempt for the act.

"Of all the people who have had reasons for disliking Goku you want to bring this up?" Gohan had learned of Piccolo's hatred of his father and the background surrounding the two of them involving King Piccolo and Junior long ago. "You tried killing him and did kill him if you don't recall, I don't see how you can preach to me about feelings towards someone considering what you've done."

Piccolo just looked down at him blankly, "It's because I've gotten over such things that would make me one of the few people capable of talking about the topic, next to Vegeta himself the history me and your father shared has been rocky at best."

Groaning he pulled a hand over his face, "I really don't want this conversation again, all of you want to defend him and praise him. But none of you are living with his decisions like I am." Releasing a grunt he then gave Piccolo one hard glare. "Don't bring this up, I am done talking about it. I've said my piece on it a dozen or more times and I'm tired, tired of having others tell me how to feel, how to think about something and ignore everything that I can see as clear as day."

As a mentor and the closest thing to family he'd come to know on this planet had been Gohan and eventually his father and mother. To see something he'd learned to embrace being discarded by his former student was disheartening, but the Namek knew that whatever was afflicting Gohan probably had something to do with it.

"I'll respect your wishes then." Piccolo stepped back and saw the lines visibly relax on Gohan's face. "But I did want to give you something. I believe that you might need it."

Watching he saw the alien pull out a small vial from his clothes. "I believe this will help you relax and let you rest." Setting it down by a small desk beside the bed frame Piccolo then righted himself. "Remember none of us are against you Gohan."

"I know that, you guys just can't seem to let other things go." Plucking the vial for himself Gohan had originally expected maybe a senzu bean but his old teacher still had his trust so he didn't question what it was.

Plucking the small vial lid off he then downed it, the splash of liquid filling his throat. It tasted like water but had a very cool feeling that relaxed him.

"If you need anything I'm always here Gohan." Piccolo offered a final gesture before Gohan nodded, releasing a heavy yawn as the Namekian departed. Taking all but of a moment to disappear from the building.

With a bit of relaxation Gohan drifted off into a quiet slumber for the first time in days.

[***]

Chi-Chi arrived 'home' in the middle of the afternoon. The tiring schedule she was working was doing her no favors but the arrangement she had made with Hercule was working as she had hoped. Releasing a tired yawn after having been flown to Hercule's private estate while he went out and did some other big releases for his total workout gym system.

The man had a knack for selling things with his face and brand on it.

She'd barely managed a few steps inside before she nearly slammed into a brick wall that appeared out of nowhere- "EE-Yah!" Her voice almost cracked in an undignified manner that her Goku was more known for doing with that instant transmission and other 'things'. But it wasn't her husband as she looked into a very accusatory staring face of her eldest son. "Gohan, Kami's sake don't scare me, you're bad like your father with his stupid teleporting." Chi-Chi had to put a hand over her chest and take a breath.

"I wouldn't have too if you would bother to respond to my phone calls or does your assistant never leave you with the messages or just delete them after I call?" Gohan had to remind himself not to go after his mom the second she walked inside the house.

Taking a breath the mother slipped off her shoes and bid her son to follow. "Gohan honestly do you really believe that I'm actually interested in Mr. Satan even a little bit?"

"Are you? Cause it's been over a month since we really spoke about anything and considering all the news and galavanting in public you're not making a good case for that." He replied annoyed, "Could you not spend a moment to just tell me what your plans are so I don't get hit with this information out of the blue like everyone else?"

"Gohan, Gohan," His mother chided, shaking her head. "You don't need your mommy telling you everything, you're about to turn seventeen and then soon you'll be your own man the year after that. Are you really telling me that you want me to go back to how I was back when you were five and check in on you every two hours or just let you grow on your own?" People had always complained she was a helicopter mother and considering what she'd gone through in her life there was an obvious reason for it.

Ever since she'd gained a modicum of fame and fortune she took a step back and let her kids be themselves, they didn't need her constantly butting in. Gohan especially considering how strong he was. There was probably very little that he needed his 'mom' actually for aside from the basics.

So she'd let go of the reins on her eldest child and he seemed irritated that she was letting him become a man his own way. 'Is there ever a right way to win with half saiyans?' Considering she was the first human to ever birth a hybrid she should take some pride that she'd done that-even unintentionally.

"I just would like to be kept up on current events. Is that too much to ask for?"

"No, I suppose you're right about that, I'll try and remember that for the future Gohan. Now how about we grab your brother and go have some dinner." Chi-Chi gave her son a smile to which he nodded. Just as she turned and would let her son lead the way her phone buzzed in her pocket. "Ugh, no not again." Chi-Chi lamented.

"Just don't answer it. You can just say you didn't have your phone on you." Gohan offered but Chi-Chi couldn't just ignore her job.

"I would like too," She released a breath of frustration. "Hello?" She said, not trying to hide the annoyance. "Yes I'm here and I just got home." She looked to her son who had his arms crossed over his chest.

"No, no I'm listening." Chi-Chi turned away from him as she paid attention to the voice on the other end.

"Whatever, I'll find something else to do." Gohan growled before leaving his mother with her work. Chi-Chi just waving him off…

'So Simple are these dreams'

From his own personal chambers Babadi held the image of Chi-Chi in his hands. One of the bond's that kept Gohan strong was being oh so carefully pulled away. "Basic, basic indoctrination, it's slow work but you can't rush a plan years upon years in the making." Cackling as he viewed the image of Chi-Chi sleeping in her dressing room, a long day of work only to be tormented of coming home and casually brushing off her son.

Reaching over to the next, one holding the face of Gohan's female friend. "Such interesting creatures, though not the most homely to look at you do provide me with such entertainment."

As the wizard cackled away at his scheme's success one of his servants approached taking a knee just several feet behind Babadi. "Master, forgive this intrusion but shall we proceed further?"

Babadi paused bringing one yellowed finger to his chin. "Ah yes, I did tell you to speak with me after the interference of that former guardian. Hmm what shall we do." Waving his hand the orbs disappeared from sight as he turned back to face Yamu, one of his first and easiest converts.

"I believe we should delay our more open movements against them. They suspect something but are obviously too stupid to know how to handle my genius, I'll let them think their little act bought them some time. But don't worry the thrill is coming closer and closer and there won't be much to stop me once I have this boy as my new thrall."

"Of course Lord Babadi. Shall we continue with the poisoning as you have directed." His head still bowed.

"Continue, no, I want you to step it up another level, with my newest spell already showing its effects on my target we merely need to amp up the pressure until he hits that breaking point."

"Of course Lord, I shall inform the others." Leaving the wizard alone, Babadi happily brought out Gohan's image once again. "Soon i'll have another warrior to add to my collection and you will take my hand willingly." Cackling with his own supreme self confidence before slowly drawing his mark of a large ornate M on the middle of Gohan's forehead as the dark nightmares returned to Gohan.

His respite was only to be short lived and the following days only were going to get so, so much worse.

R&R